INSIGHTS

Insights

HR Workshop in Houston, Nov. 14-15: How to Build a Better Workforce

Attendees will gather in Houston to hear from several industry and human resources (HR) experts on how to overcome the challenges of recruiting and retention in the industrial and manufacturing sector.
#basics

Manufacturing

Market Outlook for 2017: Sluggish Growth with a Focus on New Realities

While the current uptick in the economy is good news to all industries, continued low oil prices and political unpredictability are making it difficult to get financing for projects, according to speakers at the 2016 VMA Market Outlook workshop in San Diego last August.
#VMAnews

Technical

New Test Standards for Low-E Compliance

Creating practical, unified standards for qualifying and testing valves has been a constant struggle for the industry as it seeks to meet the fugitive emission requirements established by the U.S.
#standards

Insights

Changes in EU Directives Affect Distributors—and Manufacturers

The European Union’s (EU) New Legislative Framework (NLF), which was set forth in 2008, has sharpened the focus on importer and distributor responsibilities as they relate to importing or placing CE-marked (European Conformity) products on the market.

Insights

New Valve Business Realities Highlighted At Annual Meeting

In 2016, there is no “business as usual”, and speakers at VMA’s Annual Meeting offered sound advice to navigate the new reality of 21st century commerce.
#VMAnews

Insights

Global Economic Outlook 2017

While there are obvious differences from country to country, one could reasonably generalize by saying that what we have today is a combination of low growth, low inflation, increasingly ineffective economic policies, and increasingly destructive politics.
#VMAnews

Insights

What’s in Store for the Construction Market?

As was the case with many of the presenters at VMA’s Market Outlook Workshop held in August 2016, Randy Giggard of FMI Consulting noted that availability of labor at all levels is a major concern in the construction business.
#VMAnews

Insights

Safety: It’s Not About Rules and Regulations

On Aug. 2, 2016, OSHA fines increased, but critics ask: Does this higher fine actually increase safety?
#standards

Insights

The 2017 Market Outlook: Oil & Gas, China and U.S. Dollar Are Still Top Concerns

As was the case at last year’s event, speakers and attendees at this year’s Market Outlook Workshop were consistent in their concerns about the low price of oil and the high U.S. dollar.
#VMAnews

Insights

An End-User’s Perspective on Valve Selection and Risk

I am not a valve expert, although I often play one where I work.
#knowyourvalves